We are sad to inform you that Dr. Eduardo Slatopolsky, pioneering physician-scientist and a giant in nephrology, passed away on April 24. Dr. Slatopolsky leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to the field of nephrology and a profound impact on the lives of countless patients and colleagues.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dr. Slatopolsky became fascinated by the kidney early on, deciding that he would become a nephrologist in his second year of medical school. He earned his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires and went on to complete his residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. During an elective rotation at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Slatopolsky worked with Dr. Willem Kolf, the inventor of hemodialysis. It was during this time that Dr. Slatopolsky read a scientific paper by Dr. Neal Bricker entitled, “An Exposition of the Intact Nephron Hypothesis.” Enthralled by this hypothesis, he wrote to Dr. Bricker who was the Chief of Nephrology at Washington University in St. Louis, and asked to join his research team. Dr. Slatopolsky recalled that the day Dr. Bricker agreed to take him on as a fellow was, “one of the happiest days of my life.”
Dr. Slatopolsky and his wife Judith arrived in St. Louis in 1963. During his tenure at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Slatopolsky’s research focused on the complex interplay between mineral metabolism and kidney function. His groundbreaking work paved the way for significant advancements in the treatment of kidney diseases, particularly in the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease. Dr. Slatopolsky designed and served as inaugural Director of the Chromalloy American Kidney Center, the first chronic dialysis center in St. Louis which is still in operation today.
Dr. Slatopolsky spent his entire career at Washington University, maintaining an active research laboratory for over 50 years. Beyond his contributions to the scientific community, Dr. Slatopolsky was revered as a mentor and educator, shaping the minds of future generations of physicians and researchers. His passion for science and his unwavering commitment to excellence inspired all who had the privilege of learning from him. He continued to participate in Medicine and Nephrology grand rounds long after he retired and engaged with faculty and trainees at conferences in the past two weeks.
Dr. Slatopolsky’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of the laboratory and lecture hall. He will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking research but also for his kindness, his joie de vivre and his devotion to his wife of 52 years, Judith, who died in 2012. Dr Slatopolsky and his wife hosted generations of nephrology faculty, staff and trainees in their home where they held famous dancing parties under their disco ball teaching everyone Salsa dancing. He is survived by three children Diana (Ricardo Kohn), Daniel (Lucila Broide), and Andrea (Morten Olrik) and six grandchildren Shira and David Kohn, Camila and Sasha Slatopolsky, and Nicolas and Tristan Olrik, and a community of colleagues, students, and patients who will continue to be inspired by his legacy for years to come.
A graveside funeral will be held at Mt Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123 on Sunday, April 28 at noon. A celebration of Dr. Eduardo Slatopolsky’ s life will be held in the future at Washington University School of Medicine.
Contributions in honor of Dr Slatopolsky may be made to the Nephrology Division at Washington University School of Medicine for the Eduardo Slatopolsky Lectureship, the Eduardo Slatopolsky endowed professorship or the Chromalloy American Kidney Center patient fund.
Donations can be mailed to:
MSC 1082-414-2555
Washington University
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-9989
Please keep Dr. Slatopolsky’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Please feel free to forward this message to your colleagues as appropriate.